(19) |
 |
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(11) |
EP 0 795 421 A3 |
(12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
(88) |
Date of publication A3: |
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18.03.1998 Bulletin 1998/12 |
(43) |
Date of publication A2: |
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17.09.1997 Bulletin 1997/38 |
(22) |
Date of filing: 07.03.1997 |
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(84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
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DE FR GB IT |
(30) |
Priority: |
14.03.1996 US 615932
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(71) |
Applicant: MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY |
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St. Paul,
Minnesota 55133-3427 (US) |
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(72) |
Inventor: |
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- Chang, Jeffrey C.,
c/o Minnesota Mining and
Saint Paul,
Minnesota 55133-3427 (US)
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(74) |
Representative: Allaix, Roberto, Dr. |
|
Imation S.p.A.,
Intellectual Property Department,
Viale Martiri della Libertà , 57 17016 Ferrania (Savona) 17016 Ferrania (Savona) (IT) |
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(54) |
Laser addressable thermal transfer imaging element and method of forming an image |
(57) The invention provides a thermal transfer element having an infrared sensitive adhesive
topcoat and process for using the transfer element to generate a colored image on
a receptor. The infrared sensitive adhesive topcoat allows for a more efficient transfer
of the image to a receptor. The color transfer layer and/or infrared sensitive adhesive
topcoat may optionally contain crosslinkable or polymerizable materials that allows
one to crosslink the image after transfer to the receptor to produce a more durable
image.